Apparatus for protecting a vehicle mirror

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for protecting an exteriorly mounted mirror is provided. The apparatus contains a first portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion, and a second portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein a portion of the first portion and the second portion is attached to define an inner volume within the apparatus, and wherein an opening is defined by a portion of the first portion and the second portion that is not attached. A first connecting means is attached to the exterior portion of the first portion and a second connecting means is attached to the exterior portion of the second portion, wherein fastening the first connecting means and the second connecting means decreases a size of the opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to protecting mirrors and, more particularly, is related to protecting an exteriorly mounted vehicle mirror.

BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently there are many devices available that assist in protecting the exterior surface of a vehicle from a variety of weather and travel conditions. Several of these devices are more commonly aimed at protecting the exterior surface of the motor vehicle from various road hazards, such as rocks, dirt, and other debris. In addition, these devices are used to protect the exterior surface from various weather conditions that might cause damage to the exterior surface of the vehicle.

[0003] Vehicle covers are a common device designed to provide protection from the aforementioned conditions when a storage unit such as a garage is not available. A vehicle cover is placed over the entire exterior of the vehicle and is removed and stored prior to the operation of the vehicle.

[0004] While a vehicle cover is ideal for protecting the entire vehicle, it is not a reasonable solution to protecting a small portion of the vehicle. Currently, there are devices available that provide protection for specific exterior portions of a vehicle including, but not limited to headlamps, mirrors, windshields, and other exterior surfaces. These devices may be either permanently or removably affixed to a motor vehicle. Different means of securing are used by the devices such as, straps, elastic cords, snaps, and other fittings. Unfortunately, securing systems used by the devices typically do not provide for simple removal and expose the fastening means utilized to fix the device to the exterior or the vehicle, to natural elements that may damage the fastening means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In light of the foregoing, the present invention generally relates to an apparatus that provides protection to an exteriorly mounted mirror of a motor vehicle.

[0006] Generally, with reference to the structure of the apparatus, the apparatus contains a first portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion, and a second portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein a portion of the first portion and the second portion is attached to define an inner volume within the apparatus, and wherein an opening is defined by a portion of the first portion and the second portion that is not attached. A first connecting means is attached to the exterior portion of the first portion and a second connecting means is attached to the exterior portion of the second portion, wherein fastening the first connecting means and the second connecting means decreases a size of the opening.

[0007] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead is placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention. Those parts of the drawing that are similar are represented by similar reference numbers throughout the several drawings.

[0009]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present cover in an open position, prior to final assembly, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cover of FIG. 1 in an open and fully assembled position.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cover of FIG. 2, wherein the cover is in a closed position.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an end view of the cover of FIG. 2, wherein the cover is in a partially open position.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of the cover of FIG. 2, wherein the cover is in an open position.

[0014]FIG. 6A is a functional diagram illustrating the cover of FIG. 2, prior to insertion onto an exteriorly mounted mirror.

[0015]FIG. 6B is a functional diagram illustrating the cover of FIG. 2, after insertion onto an exteriorly mounted mirror.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present invention is a device that when installed on an exteriorly mounted mirror of a motor vehicle, protects the mirror from conditions that may adversely affect operation or finish of the mirror. In many vehicles, the exteriorly mounted mirrors may be electronically adjusted. These mirrors are controlled by a driver utilizing a series of switches located in a cabin of the vehicle. If the mirrors are exposed to adverse weather conditions, electronic adjustment of the mirrors may be affected. As an example, if the mirror becomes encased in snow or ice, adjustment of the mirror may not be possible. By utilizing the present mirror cover, an exteriorly mounted mirror may be protected from the adverse weather conditions, thereby allowing the mirror to properly function. It should be noted that, while the following provides a series of examples of the present invention, other configurations may be utilized as well.

[0017]FIGS. 1-6, as described below, show the mirror cover 10, from several views. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present cover in an open position, prior to final assembly, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0018] The cover contains a first portion 1, having an interior portion and an exterior portion. The interior portion of the first portion 1 may be fabricated from a non-woven felt-like material, or other soft material that would not scratch an exterior portion of the mirror if the interior portion touched the exterior portion of the mirror. Alternatively, the exterior portion of the first portion 1 may be fabricated from vinyl, leather, or any other durable material that is capable of withstanding hazardous weather and adverse physical conditions, while protecting the exterior portion of the mirror.

[0019] As shown by FIG. 1, the cover 10 also contains a second portion 2. The second portion 2 has an interior portion and an exterior portion. Similar to the first portion 1, the interior portion of the second portion 2 may be fabricated from any soft material that would not scratch the exterior portion of the mirror. In addition, the exterior portion of the second portion 2, may be fabricated from any durable material.

[0020] The first portion 1 and the second portion 2 may be assembled along a first side 5 of the first portion 1 and a first side 6 of the second portion 2. Assembly of the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 defines an inner volume within the cover 10, wherein an opening is defined by a first lip portion 7A and a second lip portion 7B that are not connected when the cover 10 has been assembled.

[0021] The cover 10 contains a first connector 3 that is attached to an exterior portion of the first lip portion 7A and a second connector 4 that is attached to an exterior portion of the second lip portion 7B, wherein fastening the first connector 3 and the second connector 4, decreases size of the opening.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention 10, in an open and fully assembled position, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. As is shown by FIG. 2, the open position of the cover 10 exposes the first connector 3, which as mentioned above, is located on the second lip portion 7B.

[0023] The figures described herein illustrate one example of a shape that would be suitable for use of the cover 10. It should be noted, however, that the cover 10 may have a different shape.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cover 10 of FIG. 2, wherein the cover 10 is in a closed position. As is shown by FIG. 3, when the connectors 3, 4 are connected, the size of the opening is smaller than when the cover 10 is in the open position. Connecting the connectors 3, 4 allows the cover 10 to be secured to the mirror and prevents the cover 10 from being removed from the mirror without first separating the connectors 3, 4. In the closed position, the connectors 3, 4 are connected internally within cover 10, thereby preventing the connectors 3, 4 from being exposed to conditions that may adversely affect insertion or removal of the cover 10. Specifically, one end of the first lip portion 7A and one end of the second lip portion 7B is pushed in toward the opening until the connectors 3, 4 may be connected. This is illustrated by the resulting angle and decreased opening.

[0025] It should be noted that, alternatively, the first connector 3 may be attached to an interior portion of the first lip portion 7A and the second connector 4 may be attached to an interior portion of the second lip portion 7B, wherein fastening the first connector 3 and the second connector 4, decreases size of the opening.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an end view of the cover 10 of FIG. 2, wherein the cover 10 is in a partially opened position. FIG. 4 shows the inner portion 11 of the second portion 2 and the inner portion 12 of the first portion 1. In addition, FIG. 4 shows the first connector 3 and the second connector 4 prior to connection.

[0027] It should be noted that the connectors 3, 4 may be snaps, hook and loop mechanisms, eye and hoop mechanisms, button and hole mechanisms, VELCRO®, or any other connecting means. As mentioned above, when the connectors 3, 4 are connected, the opening is smaller in size than when the connectors 3, 4 are not connected.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of the cover 10 of FIG. 2, wherein the cover 10 is in an open position. As is shown by FIG. 5, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, a seam 8 is formed between the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 after attachment of the first portion 1 and the second portion 2. It should be noted, however, that the two separate portions 1, 2 need not be utilized. Instead, the cover 10 may be fabricated as a single portion.

[0029]FIG. 6A is a functional diagram illustrating the cover of FIG. 2, prior to insertion on an exteriorly mounted mirror 20. As illustrated, the cover 10 slides over the mirror 20 while the cover 10 is in the open position. The felt like interior surface of the cover 10 prevents scratches or abrasions from affecting the exterior finish of the mirror 20 as the cover 10 is inserted over, or removed from, the mirror 20.

[0030]FIG. 6B is a functional diagram illustrating the cover of FIG. 2 after insertion on the exteriorly mounted mirror 20. As is shown by FIG. 6B, connection of the connectors 3, 4 prevents the cover 10 from being removed from the mirror 20 without first disengaging the connectors 3, 4. As previously stated, when the cover 10 is closed over the mirror 20 connectors 3, 4 are protected from adverse conditions. The cover 10 may be easily removed prior to operating the vehicle. It should be noted that the cover 10 may be produced in differing sizes and colors to provide a custom appearance to the vehicle. In addition, the cover 10 may be shaped differently to accommodate different exteriorly mounted mirrors.

[0031] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely some possible examples of implementations, set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention, and protected by the following claims. 

The following is claimed:
 1. An apparatus for protecting an exteriorly mounted mirror, comprising: a first portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion; a second portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein a portion of said first portion and said second portion is attached to define an inner volume within said apparatus, and wherein an opening is defined by a portion of said first portion and said second portion that is not attached; a first connecting means attached to said exterior portion of said first portion; and a second connecting means attached to said exterior portion of said second portion, wherein fastening said first connecting means and said second connecting means decreases a size of said opening.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first connecting means and said second connecting means is a hook and loop system.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when said first connecting means and said second connecting means are connected, said first connecting means and said second connecting means are protected from adverse weather conditions.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first exterior portion and said second exterior portion are made from a weather resistant material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first interior portion and said second interior portion are made of a material that will not scratch an exterior surface of said exteriorly mounted mirror.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exteriorly mounted mirror is a rear view mirror of an automobile.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a seam is located between said first portion and said second portion after attachment of said first portion to said second portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first connecting means and said second connecting means is a male and female snap system.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first connecting means and said second connecting means is an eye and hoop system.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inner volume is large enough to allow said exteriorly mounted mirror to fit therein.
 11. An apparatus for protecting an exteriorly mounted mirror, comprising: an exterior portion having an exterior wall; an interior portion having an interior wall, wherein said interior portion defines an inner volume of said apparatus, and wherein an opening is provided within said exterior portion and said interior portion; a first connecting means attached to a portion of said exterior wall; and a second connecting means attached to a portion of said exterior wall, wherein fastening said first connecting means and said second connecting means decreases a size of said opening.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first connecting means and said second connecting means is a hook and loop system.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein when said first connecting means and said second connecting means are connected, said first connecting means and said second connecting means are protected from adverse weather conditions.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said exterior wall is made from a weather resistant material.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said interior wall is made of a material that will not scratch an exterior surface of said exteriorly mounted mirror.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the exteriorly mounted mirror is a rear view mirror of an automobile.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first connecting means and said second connecting means is a male and female snap system.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first connecting means and said second connecting means is an eye and hoop system.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said inner volume is large enough to allow said exteriorly mounted mirror to fit therein.
 20. An apparatus for protecting an exteriorly mounted mirror, comprising: a first portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion; a second portion having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein a portion of said first portion and said second portion is attached to define an inner volume within said apparatus, and wherein an opening is defined by a portion of said first portion and said second portion that is not attached; a first connecting means attached to said interior portion of said first portion; and a second connecting means attached to said interior portion of said second portion, wherein fastening said first connecting means and said second connecting means decreases a size of said opening. 